CALENDAR
Press releases for arts and entertainment events and programs should be typed, double-spaced, with basic information about the event, performance dates and times, location, ticket prices and a public telephone number. Send notices two to three weeks before the event to Preview, 28765 Single Oak Drive, Suite 100, Temecula CA 92590 or via e-mail to calpreview@californian.com. Or fax items to (951) 694-1215.
LOCAL CONCERTS
Weekly at The Merc ---- Jazz at The Merc (7:30 p.m. Thursdays, $15), Live at The Merc (8 p.m. Fridays, $15), Country at The Merc (7 and 9 p.m. Saturdays, $15) and Classics at The Merc (3 p.m. Sundays, $11 adults and $5 students); The Merc, Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; 866-653-8696, temeculatheater.org.
Songwriter Showcase ---- Every week two new artists perform a 45-minute set of original music. Tim Moyer opens the show with a few of his award winning originals; 7-10 p.m. Wednesdays; The Edge Restaurant & Lounge, 28544 Old Town Front St., Temecula; free; 951-506-3343.
The Fab Four ---- 8 p.m. Jan. 29; Pechanga Showroom, Pechanga Resort & Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula; $20-$35; 877-711-2946.
Eden Brent/Blues Piano Trio ---- Part of the Temecula Presents Series; 8 p.m. Feb. 5; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $20; 866-653-8696.
"Instruments and Voices II" ---- Part of the Temecula Presents Series; 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $12.50-$30 (age 12 and younger $2.50 with paid adult); 866-653-8696.
Pepe Aguilar ---- 8 p.m. Feb. 11-12; Pechanga Showroom, Pechanga Resort & Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula; $85-$125; 877-711-2946.
Valentine's In-Home Concert ---- Celtic Dreams with Scarlet Rivera (Bob Dylan, Tracy Chapman, Indigo Girls) and Eric Rigler ("Titanic," "Braveheart," Charlotte Church); 6 p.m. Feb. 13; concert will be held at a private Estate Home and the exact address will only be given to ticket holders; $45; musiciansworkshop.org or 951-678-2517.
George Jones ---- 8 p.m. Feb. 19; Pechanga Showroom, Pechanga Resort & Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula; $45-$75; 877-711-2946.
The B-52s ---- 8 p.m. Feb. 27; Pechanga Showroom, Pechanga Resort & Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula; $45-$75; 877-711-2946.
"The Hot New Musicals: Mamma Mia to Thoroughly Modern Millie, Wicked to Les Mis" ---- The Cabaret Pops Orchestra with Debbie Prutsman, John Lalonde, Lisa Livesay and Paul Kehler, conducted by Scott Smith. Part of the Temecula Presents Series; 2 p.m. Feb. 28; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $35-$37 ($31 group rate); 866-653-8696.
Teena Marie ---- 8 p.m. March 5; Pechanga Showroom, Pechanga Resort & Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula; $50-$85; 877-711-2946.
Jenny Rivera ---- 8 p.m. April 9; Pechanga Showroom, Pechanga Resort & Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula; TBA; 877-711-2946.
"Winds a' Blowin'" ---- Part of the Temecula Presents Series; 3 p.m. April 18; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $12.50-$30 (age 12 and younger $2.50 with paid adult); 866-653-8696.
Moonalice ---- Part of the Temecula Presents Series; 8 p.m. March 19; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $20; 866-653-8696.
Mark Knopfler ---- The Get Lucky Tour; 8 p.m. April 15; Pechanga Showroom, Pechanga Resort & Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula; $85-$120; 877-711-2946.
Dennis Jones ---- Part of the Temecula Presents Series; 8 p.m. April 16; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $20; 866-653-8696.
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival ---- April 16: Aeroplane, Alana Grace, As Tall As Lions, Baroness, Benny Benassi, Calle 13, Deadmau5, Deer Tick, DJ Lance Rock, Echo & the Bunnymen, Erol Alkan, Fever Ray, Grace Jones, Grizzly Bear, Hockey, Iglu & Hartly, Jay-Z, Jets Overhead, Kate Miller-Heidke, La Roux, LCD Soundsystem, Little Dragon, Lucero, Pablo Hassan, Passion Pit, P.O.S., Proxy, Public Image Limited, Ra Ra Riot, She & Him, Sleigh Bells, The Avett Brothers, The Cribs, The Dillinger Escape Plan, The Specials, The Whitest Boy Alive, Them Crooked Vultures, Vampire Weekend, Wale, White Rabbits, Wolfgang Gartner and Yeasayer; April 17: 2 many DJ’s, Aterciopalados, Band of Skulls, Bassnectar, Beach House, Camera Obscura, Coheed and Cambria, Corinne Bailey Rae, Craze, David Guetta, DEVO, Dirty Projectors, Dirty South, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Faith No More, Flying Lotus, Frank Turner, Frightened Rabbit, GIRLS, Gossip, Hot Chip, John Waters, Kaskade, Klever, Les Claypool, Major Lazer, Mew, MGMT, Muse, Old Crow Medicine Show, Porcupine Tree, Portugal. The Man, Pretty Lights, RX Bandits, Shooter Jennings, Sia, Steel Train, The Almighty Defenders, The Dead Weather, The Raveonettes, The Temper Trap, The xx, Tiesto, Tokyo Police Club, Z-Trip and Zoe; April 18: B.o.B., Babasonicos, Ceu, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Club 75, De La Soul, Deerhunter, Delphic, Florence & The Machine, Gary Numan, Gil Scott-Heron, Gorillaz, Hadouken!, Infected Mushroom, Julian Casablancas, Kevin Devine, King Khan & the Shrines, Little Boots, Local Natives, Matt & Kim, Mayer Hawthorne, Miike Snow, MUTEMATH, One eskimO, Orbital, Owen Pallett, PAPARAZZI, Pavement, Phoenix, Plastikman, Rusko, Sly & The Family Stone, Spoon, Sunny Day Real Estate, Talvin Singh, The Big Pink, The Glitch Mob, The Middle East, The Soft Pack, Thom Yorke, Yann Tiersen and Yo La Tengo;Empire Polo Grounds, Indio; $269 for 3-day passes, individual day tickets aren't on sale yet; coachella.com.
Jeffrey Solow ---- Part of the Temecula Presents Series; 7:30 p.m. May 29; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $12.50-$30 (age 12 and younger $2.50 with paid adult); 866-653-8696.
"The Big Band All Stars Swing Gershwin" ---- The Big Band All Stars with Cassie Miller and Richard Leibell, conducted by Jeff Stover and Al Yankee. Part of the Temecula Presents Series; 2 p.m. May 30; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $35-$37 ($31 group rate); 866-653-8696.
"Two Plus Two: Fantastic Duets from Disney to Sondheim" ---- Kirsten and Stan Chandler and Kim Huber and husband, Roger Befeler ("Beauty and the Beast" on Broadway and the national tour) will star. Yes, there will be some "boy/girl" duets, but also, two gals doing "In His Eyes" from "Jekyll and Hyde" and two guys doing "Agony" from "Into the Woods." Part of the Temecula Presents Series; 2 p.m. April 25, 2010; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $35-$37 ($31 group rate); 866-653-8696.
"The Magic of Mozart" ---- Part of the Temecula Presents Series; 7:30 p.m. June 19, 2010; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $12.50-$30 (age 12 and younger $2.50 with paid adult); 866-653-8696.
San Diego County
ROCK & POP
Harry Connick Jr. ---- 8 p.m. Thursday; Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., San Diego; $55-$80; 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.
The Fab Four ---- Beatles tribute; 8 p.m. Friday; Pechanga Showroom, Pechanga Resort & Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula; $20-$35; 877-711-2496 or pechanga.com.
The Residents ---- Avant-garde band has been around for 40 years; 7 p.m. Friday; Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave., San Diego; $27; casbahmusic.com.
The Pink Floyd Experience ---- 7 p.m. Sunday; Pala Events Center, Pala Casino Spa & Resort, 11154 Highway 76, Pala; $25-$35; 877-946-7252 or palacasino.com/entertainment.
Bowerbirds ---- 9 p.m. Monday; The Loft, Price Center East, UC San Diego, La Jolla; $12; 858-534-8497 or artpwr.com.
Wavorly ---- Christian alt-rock band; with A Rottterdam November and Staggerford; 7 p.m. Monday; First United Methodist Church, 341 S. Kalmia St., Escondido; $8; 760-745-5100 or extremefaithproductions.com.
Dave Davies ---- Kinks guitarist; 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4 ---- canceled; Anthology, 1337 India St., San Diego; $7-$59; 619-595-0300 or anthologysd.com.
Vivian Girls ---- With Best Coast, Pearl Harbor; 8:30 p.m. Feb. 4; the Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., San Diego; $10; 619-232-4355 or casbahmusic.com.
Badfish ---- 8 p.m. Feb. 5; House of Blues San Diego, 1055 Fifth Ave., San Diego; $22.50-$25; 619-299-2583 or hob.com/sandiego.
The English Beat ---- 9 p.m. Feb. 5 and 6; Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach; $20; 858-481-8140 or bellyup.com.
Emmure and Terror ---- With After the Burial, Miss May I, Thick As Blood; 6:30 p.m. Feb. 6; SOMA San Diego, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd., Suite I, San Diego; $15; 619-226-7662 or somasandiego.com.
Lee Rocker ---- 8 p.m. Feb. 6; the Grand Cabaret, Pala Casino Spa & Resort, 11154 Highway 76, Pala; free; 877-946-7252 or palacasino.com.
The Thermals ---- With Thao, the Get Down Stay Down; 9 p.m. Feb. 7; Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach; $15; 858-481-8140 or bellyup.com.
Justin Townes Earle ---- 9 p.m. Feb. 9; The Loft, Price Center East, UC San Diego, La Jolla; $12-$14; 858-534-8497 or artpwr.com.
Editors ---- With the Antlers; 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9; House of Blues San Diego, 1055 Fifth Ave., San Diego; $25-$27; 619-299-2583 or hob.com/sandiego.
Breathe Carolina ---- With the Spin Cycle, Queens Club, Let's Get It, Hyper Crush; 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10; SOMA San Diego, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd., Suite I, San Diego; $12; 619-226-7662 or somasandiego.com.
St. Vincent ---- With Wildbirds, the Peacedrums; 9 p.m. Feb. 10; Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach; $14-$16; 858-481-8140 or bellyup.com.
ALO ---- 9 p.m. Feb. 11; Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach; $16; 858-481-8140 or bellyup.com.
Sound Tribe Sector 9 ---- 8 p.m. Feb. 11; House of Blues San Diego, 1055 Fifth Ave., San Diego; $22.50-$32.50; 619-299-2583 or hob.com/sandiego.
Anne Chase: "Love Songs for a Mad World" ---- The veteran local singer performs a program of love songs for, by and about women by songwriters from Cole Porter to Joni Mitchell; 7 p.m. Feb. 12; Schulman Auditorium, Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad; free; 760-424-2904 or www.carlsbadca.gov/arts.
G. Love & Special Sauce ---- With Red Eye Empire; 8 p.m. Feb. 12; House of Blues San Diego, 1055 Fifth Ave., San Diego; $25-$35; 619-299-2583 or hob.com/sandiego.
Al Stewart ---- 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12; Anthology, 1337 India St., San Diego; $7-$44; 619-595-0300 or anthologysd.com.
Los Lonely Boys ---- Acoustic Brotherhood Tour also features Alejandro Escovedo and Carrie Rodriguez; 9 p.m. Feb. 13; Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach; $45-$47; 858-481-8140 or bellyup.com.
Rebeca & David ---- House party concert of original love songs by the musical duo in honor of Valentine's Day, with reception and art show by Sasha; 6:30 p.m. Feb 13; 141 Camino de las Flores, Encinitas; $15 ($20 at door); 760-632-8043 or rebecaanddavid.com.
Swarmius ---- Fusion of hip-hop, lounge, techno and modern classical; 9 p.m. Feb. 13; The Loft, Price Center East, UC San Diego, La Jolla; $16; 858-534-8497 or theloft.ucsd.edu.
The Romantics ---- With Gregory Wolfe (Rod Stewart tribute); 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14; the Grand Cabaret, Pala Casino Spa & Resort, 11154 Highway 76, Pala; $25; 800-745-3000 or palacasino.com/entertainment.
Suzanne Vega ---- 8 and 10 p.m. Feb. 16; The Loft, Price Center East, UC San Diego, La Jolla; $26; 858-534-8497 or artpwr.com.
The Damned ---- 8:30 p.m. Feb. 17 and 18; the Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., San Diego; $20; 619-232-4355 or casbahmusic.com.
Bob Scheider ---- With Smile Smile; 8 p.m. Feb. 18; House of Blues San Diego, 1055 Fifth Ave., San Diego; $20-$37.50; 619-299-2583 or hob.com/sandiego.
Jonathan Coulton ---- 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19; Anthology, 1337 India St., San Diego; $7-$32; 619-595-0300 or anthologysd.com.
Steve Poltz's 50th birthday bash ---- With Mojo Nixon; 9 p.m. Feb. 19; Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach; $20-$22; 858-481-8140 or bellyup.com.
Anya Marina ---- 8:30 p.m. Feb. 20; the Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., San Diego; $13-$15; 619-232-4355 or casbahmusic.com.
Strung Out ---- 7 p.m. Feb. 20; SOMA San Diego, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd., Suite I, San Diego; $15; 619-226-7662 or somasandiego.com.
Brendan Benson ---- With Frank Fairfield; 8 p.m. Feb. 21; Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach; $12-$14; 858-481-8140 or bellyup.com.
Dynamite Walls ---- With Republic of Letters, Tommy Graf; 8 p.m. Feb. 24; Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach; $8; 858-481-8140 or bellyup.com.
Soundtrack of Our Lives ---- with Nico Vega; 8:30 p.m. Feb. 24; the Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., San Diego; $15; 619-232-4355 or casbahmusic.com.
We Were Promised Jetpacks ---- With Lonely Forest, Bear Hands; 8:30 p.m. Feb. 24; The Loft, Price Center East, UC San Diego, La Jolla; $12; 858-534-8497 or artpwr.com.
Dashboard Confessional ---- 7 p.m. Feb. 25; House of Blues San Diego, 1055 Fifth Ave., San Diego; $25-$27.50; 619-299-2583 or hob.com/sandiego.
Dave Mason ---- 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25 and 26; Anthology, 1337 India St., San Diego; $7-$72; 619-595-0300 or anthologysd.com.
The B-52s ---- 8 p.m. Feb. 27; Pechanga Showroom, Pechanga Resort & Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula; $45-$75; 877-711-2496 or pechanga.com.
The Mother Hips ---- With Or the Whale, Billy Midnight; 9 p.m. Feb. 27; Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach; $16-$18; 858-481-8140 or bellyup.com.
The Toasters ---- Ska show also features Los Kung Fu Monkeys, Bucket of Fish; 6:30 p.m. Feb. 27; SOMA San Diego, 3350 Sports Arena Blvd., Suite I, San Diego; $12; 619-226-7662 or somasandiego.com.
Zee Avi ---- 8:30 p.m. Feb. 28; The Loft, Price Center East, UC San Diego, La Jolla; $12; 858-534-8497 or artpwr.com.
George Thorogood and the Destroyers ---- 8 p.m. Feb. 28; House of Blues San Diego, 1055 Fifth Ave., San Diego; $37.50-$60; 619-299-2583 or hob.com/sandiego.
JAZZ, R&B & BLUES
George Winston ---- Jazz piano; 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; La Paloma Theatre, 471 S. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas; sold out; lapalomatheatre.com.
Peter Sprague ---- Solo jazz guitar; 6 p.m. Tuesday; Julian Library, 1850 Highway 78, Julian; free; 760-765-0370.
Jeff Hamilton Trio ----8 p.m. Wednesday; Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave., San Diego; $15-$27; 619-239-8836 or birchnorthparktheatre.net.
Peter Sprague ---- Solo jazz guitar; 7 p.m. Feb. 4; Roxy Restaurant, 517 S. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas; free for diners; 760-436-5001.
Peter Sprague and Kevyn Lettau ---- Guitar and voice jazz, in a program of Gershwin and Porter; 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5; Encinitas Community and Senior Center, 1140 Oakcrest Drive, Encinitas; free; 760-943-2260.
Bishop John W. Haynes & Change ---- Family gospel choir from the Reformation Church Inc. of San Diego; 2 p.m. Feb. 7; Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive, Encinitas; free; 760-753-7376.
Nathan James & Susanna Kurner ---- 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8; New Village Arts Theatre, 2787 State St., Carlsbad; $12-$15; 760-433-3245 or newvillagearts.org.
Holly Hofmann and Bill Cunliffe ---- Straight-ahead jazz; 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10; Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St., La Jolla; $24; 858-454-5872 or ljathenaeum.org.
Meshell Ndegeocello ---- 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10; Anthology, 1337 India St., San Diego; $7-$42; 619-595-0300 or anthologysd.com.
Peter Sprague ----- Solo jazz guitar; 7 p.m. Feb. 11; Roxy Restaurant, 517 S. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas; free for diners; 760-436-5001.
Magic 92.5's Valentine's Love Jam ---- With Percy Sledge, the Impressions, the Intruders, the Persuaders, the Moments, Gene Chandler, JoJo, One Way; 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12; Viejas Arena, San Diego State University, 5500 Canyon Crest Drive, San Diego; $27.85-$48.75; 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.
Bobby Caldwell ---- KIFM Smooth Jazz 98.1 presents a Valentine's concert of soul, pop, R&B and big band standards; 8 p.m. Feb. 13; California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; $30-$50; 800-988-4253 or artcenter.org.
"In the Mood: A 1940s Musical Revue" ---- The String of Pearls Big Band Orchestra, accompanied by singers and dancers, brings back the '40s in this swinging revue; 3 p.m. Feb. 14; California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; $14.50-$37.50; 800-988-4253 or artcenter.org.
Medeski Martin and Wood ---- 8:30 p.m. Feb. 17; House of Blues San Diego, 1055 Fifth Ave., San Diego; $23-$40; 619-299-2583 or hob.com/sandiego.
San Diego Jazz Party ---- The annual jazz fest will feature 18 mainstream jazz musicians performing 45-minute sets over nearly 18 hours, plus a "Living Legend of Jazz" ceremony honoring drummer Jack Hanna; 7:30 to 11 p.m. Feb. 19; 1 to 5 and 7 to 11 p.m. Feb. 20; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 21; (also: patrons' cocktail reception, 5 to 6 p.m. Feb. 19; jazz brunch, 10:30 a.m. to noon Feb. 20); Hilton San Diego/Del Mar, 15575 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar; $220, full festival pass; $65, pass for Feb. 19 or 21 only; $120, Feb. 20; 858-453-0846 or sdjp.org.
Richard Elliot Rock Steady Benefit Concert ---- The Escondido-based smooth jazz musician with special guest Rick Braun will perform a benefit concert for L.R. Green Elementary School; VIP tickets include a post-concert champagne reception and meet-and-greet; 8 p.m. Feb. 19 (doors open at 6:30 p.m. for silent and live auctions); California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; $30-$90; 800-988-4253 or artcenter.org.
David Sanborn ---- 8 p.m. Feb. 19; DreamCatcher at Viejas, Viejas Casino, 5000 Willows Road, Alpine; $25-$35; 888-512-7469 or viejasentertainment.com.
Coastal Communities Concert Band ---- The band celebrates its 27th anniversary with guest trombonist Harry Watters of the U.S. Army Band; 2 p.m. Feb. 21; Carlsbad Community Church, Jefferson and Pine streets, Carlsbad; $15, general; $12, seniors and students; 760-436-6137 or 858-793-8258.
Al Di Meola ---- 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23 and 24; Anthology, 1337 India St., San Diego; $7-$59; 619-595-0300 or anthologysd.com.
Acoustic Alchemy ---- 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Feb. 27; Anthology, 1337 India St., San Diego; $7-$38; 619-595-0300 or anthologysd.com.
Arturo Sandoval ---- 8 p.m. Feb. 27; Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave., San Diego; $35-$65; 858-459-3724 or ljms.org.
Ray Manzarek and Roy Rogers ---- Doors co-founder and keyboardist teams with blues slide guitarist; 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28; Anthology, 1337 India St., San Diego; $7-$39; 619-595-0300 or anthologysd.com.
COUNTRY & FOLK
Gregory Page ---- Folk and old-timey; 7 p.m. Saturday; Templars Hall, Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road, Poway; $18; 858-566-4040.
Little Windows ---- Appalachian and traditional; 7 p.m. Feb. 6; Templars Hall, Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road, Poway; $18; 858-566-4040.
George Jones ---- Country; 8 p.m. Feb. 19; Pechanga Showroom, Pechanga Resort & Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula; $45-$75; 877-711-2946 or pechanga.com.
Raul Malo ---- Country; 8 p.m. Feb. 28; Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach; $22-$24; 858-481-8140 or bellyup.com.
LOCAL COMEDY
Comedy Club at Pechanga ---- 8 p.m. shows Wednesdays-Thursdays, 8 and 10 p.m. shows Fridays-Saturdays; Pechanga Resort & Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula; $22; 877-711-2946, pechanga.com/comedyclub.
Joel McHale ---- 8 and 10:30 p.m. Feb. 6; Pechanga Showroom, Pechanga Resort & Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula; $45-$65; 877-711-2946, pechanga.com.
Tim Conway & Friends ---- 8 p.m. March 13; Pechanga Showroom, Pechanga Resort & Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula; $40-$65; 877-711-2946, pechanga.com.
LOCAL THEATER
Koresh Dance Company ---- An innovative and emotional artistic force, the Koresh Dance Company breaks through boundaries of traditional choreography and takes flight, offering the audience an exciting experience. The Philadelphia based group is emotionally dynamic; 8 p.m. Jan. 29-30; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $15-$25; 866-653-8696.
"Rumors" ---- Presented by Temecula Valley Players. One of Neil Simon's finest comedies. Who shot the Mayor? Where is wife? Why is everyone laughing out loud at this fast-paced whimsy? Confusions and mis-communications mount, and the evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity. Directed by Mark Weisenberg. Due to mature subject matter, parental discretion is advised; 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11-13, 18-20 and 2 p.m. Feb. 14 and 21; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $20-$28; 866-653-8696.
"Rocky Horror Show" ---- On the way to visit an old college professor, two clean cut young people, Brad Majors and his fiancee Janet Weiss, run into trouble and seek help at the freaky Frankenstein mansion. However, little did they know that the mansion is inhabited by alien transsexuals from the planet Transylvania and Dr. Frank N Furter is in the midst of one of his maniacal experiments; Feb. 12-14, 19-21, 26-28; Esplanade Arts Center, 2211 W. Esplanade Ave., San Jacinto; $15; inlandstage.org.
Trey McIntyre Project ---- This is a journey in flight that is at once compelling, explosive, exhilarating, captivating, transformative, and human. One of the most sought after choreographers working today, Trey McIntyre creates dances that authentically and clearly convey the emotion and grace of life's journey; 8 p.m. Feb. 26-27; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $15-$25; 866-653-8696.
"To Kill a Mockingbird" ---- Presented by Temecula Valley Players. Written from the perspective of a young girl in the South in 1935, this thoughtful stage presentation of Harper Lee’s classic Pulitzer Prize winning novel will leave you with an on-going awareness of justice and empathy. Due to mature subject matter, parental discretion is advised; 7:30 p.m. March 25-27, April 1-3 and April 8-10 and 2 p.m. March 28, April 3 and April 11; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $20-$28; 866-653-8696, temeculatheater.org.
Backhausdance ---- At the forefront of Southern California dance, Backhausdance has an eclectic and dynamic vocabulary borrowing from many dance styles. Their movement is physically demanding and original with a wonderful sense of fluidity and strength. Their diverse repertory is entertaining, powerful, athletic, and technically impressive; 8 p.m. April 23-24, 2010; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $15-$25; 866-653-8696.
"Rent" ---- Presented by Temecula Valley Players. Experience the musical that dared to change Broadway. This Pulitzer Prize-winning musical based loosely on Puccini's opera La Boheme brings heart-tugging reality to the lives of seven friends sharing an apartment in New York's East Village. Winning five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, "Rent" is not to be missed. Directed by Jeremy Lapp; 7:30 p.m. May 13-15, 20-22, 6 p.m. May 16 and 2 p.m. May 15-16, 22-23; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $20-$28; 866-653-8696.
San Diego County
"Alice in Wonderland" ---- Carlsbad Community Theatre presents a youth-cast production of David Simpatico and Bryan Louiselle's adaptation of Lewis Carroll's novels and the 1951 Disney film; 7 p.m. Feb. 4 and 5; 2 and 7 p.m. Feb. 6; Carlsbad Cultural Arts Center, 3557 Lancer Way, Carlsbad; $15; 760-931-8709 or carlsbadcommunitytheatre.com.
"Alice Jr." ---- Christian Youth Theatre presents a youth musical based on the novel by Lewis Carroll and the score from the 1951 Disney film; 7 p.m. Feb. 26, 27 and March 6; 2 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 6, 7; Escondido Charter High School, 1868 E. Valley Parkway, Escondido; $12, adults; $10, ages 3 to 19; 800-696-1929 or www.cytsandiego.org.
"A Little Night Music" ---- Lyric Opera San Diego presents Stephen Sondheim's Broadway musical about an aging actress who hopes to reignite the passion with an old lover from many years before; opens Feb. 12 and runs through Feb. 21; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays; Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave., San Diego; $32-$52, general; children 17 and under are half-price; 619-239-8836 or lyricoperasandiego.org.
"An Inspector Calls" ---- Lamb's Players Theatre presents J.B. Priestley's mystery drama about a family celebration interrupted by news of what turns out to be a not-so-random murder; previews, Feb. 5-11; opens Feb. 12 and runs through March 21; shwotimes, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; Lamb's Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado; call for ticket prices; 619-437-0600 or lambsplayers.org.
"Annie" ---- The Orange County Performing Arts Center presents the national touring production of this "Little Orphan Annie" musical; 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday; 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa; $25-$65; 714-556-2787 or www.ocpac.org.
"At the Hop With the Alley Cats" ---- A cappella doo-wop harmony quartet mixes music with comedy and audience interaction in a 1-hour, 45-minute family-friendly show; 7 p.m. Sundays; Welk Resorts Theatre, Welk Resorts San Diego, 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido; $25, adults; $10, children ages 3 to 15; 888-802-7469 or welktheatresandiego.com.
"Aurelia's Oratorio" ---- La Jolla Playhouse presents a special engagement of cirque performer Victoria Thierree Chaplin's family-friendly theater piece that mixes cirque techniques, acrobatics, stage illusion and music to tell the story of a young girl's topsy-turvy life behind the red curtain; opens Wednesday and runs through Feb. 28; showtimes, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; La Jolla Playhouse, UC San Diego, La Jolla; $44, adults; $25, children 12 and under; 858-550-1010 or www.lajollaplayhouse.org.
"Boom" ---- San Diego Repertory Theatre presents Peter Sinn Nachtrieb's dark comedy about a marine biologist and his hard-edged female companion preparing for the end of mankind; 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 7 p.m. Sunday; Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, San Diego; $29-$47, general; $18, students; 619-544-1000 or www.sdrep.org.
Cabaret with Judy Kaye ---- The Old Globe presents the Tony-winning Broadway star of "Phantom of the Opera," "Souvenir," "Mamma Mia! and "Ragtime" in an evening of songs by Harold Arlen and other writers from the American Songbook; 8 p.m. Feb. 8; Hattox Hall, Old Globe complex, Balboa Park, San Diego; $30; 619-234-5623 or www.theoldglobe.org.
"Comedy & Magic" ---- Family-friendly evening of stand-up comedy and magic tricks featuring Scott "Mr. Punchline" Wood and "Anthony the Magic"; 7 p.m. Wednesdays; Welk Resorts Theatre, Welk Resorts San Diego, 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido; $25, adults; $10, children; 760-749-3448 or welktheatresandiego.com.
"Culture Clash in AmeriCCa" ---- San Diego Repertory Theatre presents the return of the Latino comedy troupe of Richard Montoya, Ric Salinas and Herbert Siguenza in this comedy featuring the best vignettes from many of their site-specific shows, including San Diego, New York, Miami and more); previews, Feb. 18-20; opens Feb. 21 and runs through March 7; showtimes, 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; 7 p.m. Sundays and Wednesdays; Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, San Diego; $29-$47, general; $18, students; 619-544-1000 or www.sdrep.org.
"Expecting Isabel" ---- Moxie Theatre presents Lisa Loomer's comedy about an infertile couple's down-the-rabbit-hole-style odyssey as they try to have a baby; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; through Feb. 7; Moxie's Rolando Theater, 6663 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego; $20-$35; 858-598-7620 or www.moxietheatre.com.
"Fences" ---- South Coast Repertory presents August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama about a working-class family in 1950s Pittsburgh struggling against poverty, racism and family disharmony; 7:30 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; through Feb. 21; Segerstrom Stage, South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa; $24-$59; 714-708-5555 or www.scr.org.
"The Fever" ---- Compass Theatre's final production before it closes its doors features ex-San Diego actor/producer Bryan Bevell in Wallace Shawn's political drama about an anonymous traveler whose idealistic views are challenged when he visits a beautiful country marred by political strife; 4 and 9:30 p.m. Feb. 6; 4 and 7 p.m. Feb. 7; 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8 and 9; Compass Theatre, 3704 Sixth Ave., San Diego; $15-$23; 619-688-9210 or www.compasstheatre.com.
"FDR" ---- Ed Asner stars in this solo show based on Dore Schary's Tony-winning Broadway show "Sunrise at Campobello," about the life and times of U.S. president Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1933 to 1944; 8 p.m. Feb. 20; Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway; $17-$55, adults; $5, youth under age 18; 858-748-0505 or powayarts.org.
"Glorious! The True Story of Florence Foster Jenkins, the Worst Singer in the World" ---- North Coast Repertory Theatre presents the San Diego premiere of Peter Quilter's comedy about the improbably true story of the talentless eccentric socialite who became the toast of New York in the 1940s, thanks to her utterly terrible singing; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays; plus select Saturday matinees and Wednesday evenings; through Feb. 7; North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987D Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach; $30-$47; 858-481-1055 or northcoastrep.org.
"The Good, the Bad and the Udderly Ridiculous" ---- Mystery Cafe Dinner Theatre presents a fast-paced mystery-comedy about a series of murders that take place in the Old West; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; runs indefinitely; Imperial House Restaurant, 505 Kalmia St., San Diego; $59.50, price includes four-course dinner; 619-460-2200 or mysterycafe.net.
"The House of Yes" ---- Compass Theatre presents Wendy MacLeod's family drama about a mentally unbalanced young woman (she thinks she's Jackie Onassis) who becomes homicidal when her brother returns home for the holidays with news that he's engaged; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; through Feb. 14; Compass Theatre, 3704 Sixth Ave., San Diego; $20-$34; 619-688-9210.
"Hurlyburly" ---- Ion Theatre presents David Rabe's dark comedy about a corrupt, philandering casting agent, his roommate and their take on the underbelly of 1980s Hollywood; 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 4 and 9 p.m. Saturday; Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd., San Diego; $10-$25; 619-600-5020 or iontheatre.com.
"I Do! I Do!" ---- Welk Resort Theatre presents Broadway veterans Robert Yacko and Christina Saffran Ashford in Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt's classic musical based on Jan de Hartog's play "The Fourposter," chronicling the ups and downs of a 50-year marriage; opens Feb. 4 and runs through March 7; showtimes, 1 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays; 8 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays; Welk Resorts Theatre, Welk Resorts San Diego, 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido; $44-$47, show only; $58-$63, show and buffet (brunch or dinner); 760-749-3448 or welktheatresandiego.com.
"Isadora Duncan: A Unique Recital" ---- Wells Fargo presents Kres Mersky in her one-woman show on the life, work and passions of the famous American dancer; 4 and 7 p.m. Wednesday; 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; free; 800-988-4253 or www.artcenter.org.
"It's Magic" ---- The 53rd annual edition of this touring magicians program features six international magicians; 7 p.m. Feb. 20; 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; $22.50-$35; 800-988-4253 or www.artcenter.org.
JD Lawrence Presents "The Clean Up Woman" ---- Playwright JD Lawrence wrote and co-stars in this play about a black working woman and a newlywed who hires a cleaning woman to keep her home clean, but the maid gets too close to the woman's husband; 3 and 8 p.m. March 13; 3 p.m. March 14; Spreckels Theatre, 121 Broadway, San Diego; $35-$39; 619-220-8497.
"Jesus Hates Me" ---- Southn Coast Repertory presents Chance Theater's production of Wayne Lemon's comedy about a Texas man's search for identity, faith, sanity and freedom in the shadow of a Wal-Mart mannequin transformed into Jesus, a bipolar mother, a suicidal dishwasher, a pot-smoking copy and several other kooky characers; 8 p.m. Feb. 26, 27, March 5 and 6; 2:30 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 7; Nicholas Studio, South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa; $35; 714-708-5555 or www.scr.org.
"John Leguizamo Diary of a Madman" ---- La Jolla Playhouse presents the Emmy-winning film and stage star in a Page to Stage workshop production of his new solo show about his own life and the colorful characters who have shaped his life, from his adolescence in Queens, to his avant-garde theater days in the '80s, to his career as a film actor; opens March 4 and runs through March 14; showtimes, 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; La Jolla Playhouse at Mandell Weiss Theatre, UC San Diego, La Jolla; $30, general; $15, students; 858-550-1010 or www.lajollaplayhouse.org.
"Joyful Noise" ---- Lamb's Players Theatre presents an encore engagement of its top-selling 2009 production of this comedy/drama about the creation of Handel's famous holiday oratorio, "Messiah"; 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; Lamb's Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado; $22-$58; 619-437-0600 or lambsplayers.org.
"The King and I" ---- Star Theatre presents the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical about a prim English schoolteacher hired to educate the children of Siam's progressive king during the 19th century; 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5, 6, 12 and 13; 2 p.m. Feb. 6 and 14; Star Theatre, 402 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside; $15, general; $12, students, seniors and military; $7, children under 7; 800-838-3006 or www.startheatre.biz.
"KOOZA" ----- Cirque du Soleil returns with an all-new traveling tent circus spectacular, this time dedicated to the circus traditions of acrobatics and clowning; opens Feb. 25 in a limited engagement; showtimes, 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 4 and 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 1 and 5 p.m. Sundays; Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar; $40-$125, adults; $28-$87.50, children ages 2 to 12; $36-$112.50, students and seniors; cirquedusoleil.com.
"La Boheme" --- San Diego Opera opens its 2010 season with Puccini's romantic tragedy about the doomed love affair between an impoverished writer and a consumptive seamstress in 1830s Paris, starring Polish tenor Piotr Beczala, American soprano Ellie Dehn and Del Mar-raised soprano Priti Gandhi in her role debut as Musetta; 7 p.m. Saturday and Tuesday; 8 p.m. Feb. 5; 2 p.m. Feb. 7; San Diego Civic Theatre, Third Avenue at B Street, San Diego; tickets start at $35; 619-533-7000 or www.sdopera.com.
"La Mandragola" ----- UC San Diego Theatre and Dance presents Machiavelli's satirical, sexy romp about a man who schemes to bed a married beauty; preview, 7 p.m. Thursday; regular shows, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Feb. 4-6; 2 p.m. Saturday; Shank Theatre, UCSD, La Jolla; $8-$20; 858-534-4574 or theatre.ucsd.edu.
"Last Sunday Cabaret" ---- Classic standards, jazz, gospel and Broadway tunes, performed at 7 p.m. on the last Sunday of each month; Lamb's Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado; $15-$45; 619-437-6050 or www.lambsplayers.org.
"Late Nite Catechism 3: 'Til Death Do Us Part" ---- Old Mission Montessori School presents the latest sequel in the solo comedy show series about the stern Sister and her evening religious classes, this one themed around marriage and the Last Rites that includes her own version of "The Newlywed Game"; 7 p.m. Feb. 12; Serra Center, Mission San Luis Rey Parish, 4070 Mission Ave., Oceanside; $40 each or $70 per pair; 760-757-3232.
"A Letter From Ethel Kennedy" ---- PowPac, Poway's Community Theatre, presents a Reader's Theatre performance of Christopher Gorman's autobiographical play about a playwright trying to make peace with is parents and ex-lover before he dies of AIDS; 7 p.m. Sunday; PowPac, 13250 Poway Road, Poway; $10; 858-679-8085.
"Lost in Yonkers" ---- The Old Globe presents Neil Simon's Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning play about a feuding but loving Jewish family in 1942 Yonkers, N.Y.; previews, Saturday through Wednesday; opens Thursday and runs through Feb. 28; showtimes, 7 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays -Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, Old Globe complex, Balboa Park, San Diego; $29-$62; 619-234-5623 or www.theoldglobe.org.
"The Man Who" ---- New Village Arts Theatre presents the regional premiere of Peter Brooke and Marie-Helene Estienne's series of stage fables adapted from Oliver Sacks' "The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat"; opens Feb. 4 and runs through Feb. 28; showtimes, 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 3 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; New Village Arts Theatre, 2787 State St., Carlsbad; $20-$40; 760-433-3245 or www.newvillagearts.org.
Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre ---- Balboa Park Puppet Guild presents Big Joe Productions' "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," Thursday-Sunday; and Millie Patterson's Weaver's Tales' "Chu Chu the Dragon," Feb. 3-7 and 10-14; regular showtimes, 10 and 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays-Fridays; 11 a.m., 1 and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater, Balboa Park, San Diego; $5, adults; $4, seniors; $3, children 12 and under; 619-544-9203 or balboaparkpuppets.com.
"The Marriage Bed" ---- Diversionary Theatre presents the West Coast premeire of Nona Shepphard's English comedy about a lesbian couple who find themselves questioning their commitment when the United Kingdom approves civil partnerships; opens Feb. 11 and runs through Feb. 28; showtimes, 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays; Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd., San Diego; $29-$33; 619-220-0097
"Marriage, Medicine, Money, and Mayhem" ----- UC San Diego Theatre and Dance presents director Jim Carmody's adaptation of two French farces by Moliere and Feydeau; 8 p.m. Feb. 24-27; 2 p.m. Feb. 27; Arthur Wagner Theatre, UCSD, La Jolla; $8-$20; 858-534-4574 or theatre.ucsd.edu.
"My Fatal Valentine" ---- Newly formed Curtain Call Productions will present Eileen Moushey's comedy murder-mystery set at a romance writers' convention on the third Thursday of each month; Hukilau Restaurant, Fallbrook Golf Course, Fallbrook; $35; 760-723-2724 or e-mail curtaincallcompany@yahoo.com.
"My Year of Living Anxiously" ---- San Diego Repertory Theatre presents Encinitas playwright Moira Keefe in her autobiographical play about being a peri-menopausal woman in the sandwich generation between geriatric parents and hormonal teens; 7:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, San Diego; $20, general; $15, students and seniors; 619-544-1000 or sdrep.org.
"Nabucco" --- San Diego Opera's 2010 season continues with Verdi's biblically themed opera about a power-mad Babylonian king, starring tenor Zeljko Lucic and French soprano Sylvie Valayre; 7 p.m. Feb. 20 and 23; 8 p.m. Feb. 26; 2 p.m. Feb. 28; San Diego Civic Theatre, Third Avenue at B Street, San Diego; tickets start at $35; 619-533-7000 or www.sdopera.com.
"A Night of Broadway in Song ---- A Few of the Many Colorful Contributions by African-Americans to the Broadway Musical" ---- Community Actors Theatre presents a revue of songs from Broadway musicals including "The Wiz," "Porgy and Bess" and "The Color Purple," in celebration of Black History Month; opens Feb. 5 and runs through March 7; showtimes, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays; 2957 54th St., San Diego; $14, general; $12, students, seniors; 619-264-3391 or www.communityactorstheatre.com.
"Nobody's Perfect" ---- Kennedy Center's Theatre for Young Audiences on Tour presents this spoken and sign-language augmented musical by Marlee Matlin about two fourth-grade girls, one deaf and one hearing, who look beyond their differences to find their commonalities; 7 p.m. Feb. 27; Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway; $17-$55, adults; $5, youth under age 18; 858-748-0505 or powayarts.org.
"No Child" ---- La Jolla Playhouse presents a one-night engagement of Nilaja Sun's award-winning off Broadway solo play about her experiences teaching in the New York City public schools; 7 p.m. Saturday; La Jolla Playhouse at Mandell Weiss Theatre, UC San Diego, La Jolla; $40 (proceeds will benefit Playhouse education programs); 858-550-1010 or www.lajollaplayhouse.org.
On the Horizon Playwright Reading Series --- The San Diego Black Theater Collective presents a series of readings of plays by black playwrights in honor of Black History Month; Anthony Smith's "Trane, A Noble Journey," 7 p.m. Monday; Charmen Jackson's "Ain't You Heard," 7 p.m. Feb. 8; Ronald McCants' "The Strangest Fruit," 7 p.m. Feb. 15; Jackie Roberts' "Lick O the Knife," 7 p.m. Feb. 22; Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, San Diego; $10 donation; 619-263-7911.
"Once Upon a Mattress" ---- Poway High School's drama department presents a student production of this musical spoof of the "Princess and the Pea" fairy tale; 7 p.m. Feb. 5-6, 11-13; Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway; $10, adults; $8, students, children, active military and seniors; 858-748-0245, ext. 5155.
"Orestes" ---- The Theatre Inc. presents Marianne McDonald's new adaptation of the ancient Greek classic about a young man who kills his mother to avenge the murder of his father; opens Feb. 20 and runs through March 21; showtimes, 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 7 p.m. Sundays; The Theatre Inc., 899 C St., San Diego; $22-$25; 619-216-3016 or www.thehteatreinc.com.
"The Piano Lesson" ---- Cygnet Theatre presents August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning Depression-era drama about a brother and sister in Pittsburgh fighting over the rights to an heirloom piano covered with carvings that trace the family's rise from slavery; previews, Thursday and Friday; opens Saturday and runs through Feb. 28; showtimes, 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays; Cygnet's Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., San Diego; $23-$40; 619-337-1525 or www.cygnettheatre.com.
Plays By Young Writers ---- Playwrights Project presents its 25th annual festival of new plays by young writers, including three fully staged productions and three staged readings; 10 a.m. Feb. 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26; 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 and 27; 2 p.m. Feb. 28; Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, San Diego; $20, general; $15, students and seniors; 619-239-8222 or playwrightsproject.org.
"Postmortem" ---- New Vision Theatre presents Ken Ludwig's mystery-thriller about an actor who tries to solve a murder in Sherlock Holmes style; opens Friday and runs through Feb. 13; showtimes, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.. Sundays (performance on Feb. 7 is at 12:30 p.m.); Sunshine Brooks Theater, 217 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside; $17, adults; $14, seniors; $10, military and students; 760-529-9140 or sunshinebrookstheatre.org.
"Pump Boys and Dinettes" ---- Lamb's Players Theatre presents this down-home musical revue featuring singing diner waitresses and auto mechanics at truck stop on Highway 57 in the Deep South; opens Thursday and runs indefinitely; showtimes, 7:30 p.m Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; Horton Grand Theatre, 444 Fourth Ave., San Diego; $26-$48; 619-437-0600.
"Red Skelton: A Performance Tribute by Tom Mullica" ---- Fallbrook's Mission Theatre presents a comedy/variety show honoring the comedy legend; 7:30 p.m. Saturday; Mission Theater, 231 N. Main St., Fallbrook; $21; 760-731-2278.
"The Revenger's Tragedy" ----- UC San Diego Theatre and Dance presents Thomas Middletown's 16th-century bloody melodrama, updated by director Chris Ashley (La Jolla Playhouse's artistic director) into a modern-day reality television show; preview, 7 p.m. Feb. 11; regular shows, 8 p.m. Feb. 12, 13, 16-20; Potiker Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, UCSD, La Jolla; $8-$20; 858-534-4574 or theatre.ucsd.edu.
"Rumors" ---- Temecula Valley Players presents Neil Simon's comedy about the mayhem that ensues when a politician's anniversary party goes horribly awry; 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11-13, 18-20; 2 p.m. Feb. 14 and 21; Old Town Temecula Community Theatre, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $20-$28; 866-653-8696 or temeculatheater.org.
"The Seagull" ----- UC San Diego Theatre and Dance presents Anton Chekhov's Russian comedy/drama about the struggle between love and art; preview, 7 p.m. Feb. 18; regular shows, 8 p.m. Feb. 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27; Mandell Weiss Forum Theatre, UCSD, La Jolla; $8-$20; 858-534-4574 or theatre.ucsd.edu.
"Self Help" ---- PowPAC, Poway's Community Theatre presents Norm Foster's farce about a pair of married actors who pretend to be nationally renowned self-help gurus; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; through Feb. 7; PowPAC, 13250 Poway Road, Poway; $15, general; $13, seniors, students and active military; 858-679-8085 or www.powpac.org.
"Swingtime Canteen" ---- Moonlight Stage Productions presents a star-spangled, 1940s musical revue featuring four women and one pianist performing more than 30 songs from the war years during a USO show in 1944 London; opens Thursday and runs through Feb. 21; showtimes, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; Avo Playhouse, 303 Main St., Vista; $21-$29; 760-724-2110 or www.vistixonline.com.
"The Tempest" ---- MiraCosta College's theater department and North Coast Repertory Theatre will co-produce Willliam Shakespeare's late romance about a shipwrecked sorcerer and his bright young daughter, starring Jonathan McMurtry and Richard Baird; preview, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25; regular shows, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26, 27 and March 4-6, 11-13; 7 p.m. March 3; 2 p.m. Feb. 27-28 and March 7, 13 and 14; MiraCosta College Theatre, 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside; $25, general; $20, seniors; $15, students with ID; $15, preview; 760-795-6815.
"They're Playing Our Song" ---- Scripps Ranch Theatre presents Neil Simon and Carol Bayer Sager's musical about the unexpected relationship that blooms between a successful, conservative composer and a quirky, aspiring lyricist; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; through Feb. 20; Legler Benbough Theatre, Alliant University, Avenue of Nations at Miramar Road, San Diego; $22, general; $20, students, seniors and active military; 858-578-7728 or scrippsranchtheatre.org.
"13" ---- California Youth Conservatory Theatre will present the San Diego premiere of Jason Robert Brown's musical about a 12-year-old Jewish boy who's struggling with puberty, his parents' divorce, his Bar Mitzvah, nasty rumors at school and a recent move to a small Indiana town from New York; 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, San Diego; $15-$30; 619-544-1000 or cyctheatre.com.
"Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two-Woman Show" ---- Welk Resort Theatre presents a special engagement of Vicki Lawrence, star of "Mama's Family" and "The Carol Burnett Show," performing a two-act show as both herself and her TV alter ego, Mama; 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 1 p.m. Thursday and Saturday; Welk Resorts Theatre, Welk Resorts San Diego, 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido; $65; 760-749-3448 or welktheatresandiego.com.
"Whisper House" ---- The Old Globe presents Mare Winningham in the world premiere of Tony-winning composer Duncan Sheik ("Spring Awakening") and Kyle Jarrow's new musical for families set during World War II about an11-year-old boy who lives in a New England lighthouse haunted by spirits; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 7 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; through Feb. 21; Old Globe Theatre, Balboa Park, San Diego; 36-$89; 619-234-5623 or www.theoldglobe.org.
"Willy Wonka" ---- Christian Youth Theatre presents a youth musical based on Roald Dahl's classic novel "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"; 7 p.m. Feb. 20 and 27; 2 p.m. Feb. 20, 21, 27 and 28; Star Theatre, 402 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside; $12, adults; $10, ages 3 to 19; 800-696-1929 or www.cytsandiego.org.
"A Wrinkle in Time" ---- South Coast Repertory's Theatre for Young Audiences program presents John Glore's stage adaptation of Madeleine L'Engle's sci-fi novel about a boy and girl who must travel across space and time to rescue their father from an evil force; opens Feb. 5 and runs through Feb. 21; showtimes, 7:45 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; Argyros Stage, South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa; $17-$29; 714-708-5555 or www.scr.org.
"WWM" ---- Patio Playhouse presents a fundraising performance of two short plays by Tennessee Williams, "Hello From Bertha" and "Portrait of a Madonna," and a staged reading of Julio C. Mas' "I, Caligula"; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; Patio Playhouse, 201 E. Grand Ave., Escondido; $10; for mature audiences only; 760-746-6669 or patioplayhouse.org.
LOCAL GALLERIES
The Coffee Store ---- hours 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 40575 California Oaks Road, Murrieta; 951-301-3808.
Division 9 Gallery North ---- 3485 University Ave., Riverside; 951-682-5990.
Division 9 Gallery South ---- 3850 Lemon St., Riverside; 951-682-5990.
Gallery at The Merc ---- see temeculatheater.org for gallery hours; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; free; (866) 653-8696.
Hemet Valley Art Association Gallery ---- 2557 S. San Jacinto Ave., San Jacinto; 909-652-4592.
Landis Art Center Gallery ---- at Riverside Community College, 4800 Magnolia Ave., Riverside; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 951-222-8494.
Medium ---- 3643 University Ave., Suite #3, Riverside.
Mt. San Jacinto College Fine Art Gallery ---- gallery 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 1-4 p.m. Saturdays; 1499 N. State St., San Jacinto; 951-487-3585.
The Old Town Gallery ---- Sponsors a monthly artist reception for local Temecula Valley artists; gallery 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, 1-5 p.m. Sundays; 42031 Main Street, Ste. C, Temecula; 951-699-3181.
The People's Gallery ---- gallery 6-10 p.m. Thursdays (or by appointment); 3643 University Ave., Riverside; 951-715-4641.
ProjectRamGallery ----- 3532 University Ave., Riverside; 951-684-7111.
Riverside Community Arts Association ---- gallery 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, or by appointment; 3870 Lemon St., Riverside; 951-682-6737.
Sweeney Art Gallery ---- gallery 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, noon-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; 3800 Main St., Riverside; 909-787-3755.
Temecula Valley Art League Gallery ---- New gallery recently opened; noon-6 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays, noon-7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 41785 Nicole Lane, Ste. B, Temecula; 951-303-8100.
LOCAL MUSEUMS
Fender Museum of Music and the Arts ---- Around every corner, walls of Fender amplifiers await your eyes, and literally dozens of guitars. Technology that started a music revolution is close enough to touch. Items from Merle Haggard, Dick Dale, Kurt Cobain, the Fender Custom Shop and photos from the Kids Rock Free music education program. The wall of friends features concert pictures from many of the great shows the museum has hosted, including Steve Miller, Merle Haggard, Joe Walsh, Etta James, the Turtles, John Waite, Paul Rodgers, Dick Dale and many others. Steve Miller (Steve Miller Band) is featured in a tribute exhibit. Paul Rodgers is another legendary music icon represented in the museum. The singer songwriter, multi-instrumentalist of Free, Bad Company, The Firm, and Queen + Paul Rodgers fame is featured in rare photos, clothing and handwritten lyrics; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays; 365 N. Main Street, Corona; 951-735-2440.
Heritage House Riverside ---- Queen Anne Victorian-style house museum furnished to reflect the Victorian period for Riverside's upper-middle class residents; noon to 3 p.m. Fridays, noon to 3:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; 8193 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside; free; 951-826-5273.
Imagination Workshop, Temecula Childrens Museum ---- Professor Phineas T. Pennypickle, Ph.D. is a scientist, time traveler, and inventor of wacky and wonderful contraptions that amaze, delight and educate children and adults alike. Pennypickle's experiments and mechanical inventions fill every room of his 7,500 square foot workshop, which has become a storehouse for tinkering and theoretical thinking; 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 12:30-5 p.m. Sundays; 42081 Main St., Temecula; $4.50, general, free for children age 3 and younger; 951-308-6370.
Jensen-Alvarado Historic Ranch and Museum ---- An 1880s living history interpretive program and museum; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays (available for group tours Mondays through Saturdays, reservations required); 4307 Briggs Street, Riverside; 951-369-6055.
Kid Zone Museum ---- A non-profit organization dedicated to providing a safe, educational and fun environment through 10,000 sq. feet of hands-on interactive exhibits; museum hours, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays (closed Sundays through Tuesdays); 123 S. Carmalita Ave., Hemet; $5, general admission; $2, seniors; children under 2 are free; 951-765-1572 or kidzone.org.
Lake Elsinore Historical Society ---- The society was founded to collect, protect, preserve, display, and further the preservation of items and documents of historical value and significance from the Lake Elsinore Valley; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays; 106 S. Main Street, Lake Elsinore; free; 951-245-4986.
Lake Perris Regional Indian Museum ---- Reflection of Native American life in the Mojave Desert region as experienced by the Cahuilla, Chemevhuevi, Cupeno, Luiseno, Serrano and Vanyume tribes. Located at the Lake Perris State Recreation Area; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays; 1781 Lake Perris Drive, Perris; free ($8 car fee to enter the park); 951-940-5656.
March Field Air Museum ---- Serves as home to over 70 historic aircraft and displays over 2,000 artifacts. Family day is the last Saturday of each month; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays (closed Monday); 22550 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside; $8 general admission and $5 ages 5-11; 951-902-5949, 209.160.64.210/~marchair.
Mission Inn Museum ---- Exhibits rich in artifacts range from arts and crafts furnishings to Asian sculpture. The larger collection includes works by major stained glass artists and California regional painters; morning and afternoon tours available; 3696 Main St., Riverside; $12; 951-788-9556.
Orange Empire Railway Museum ---- Railroad museum features more than 150 historic train cars, locomotives and streetcars, plus railway equipment. Trolley and train rides are available; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; 2201 South A Street, Perris; free (trolley and train rides: $8 for adults and $6 for ages 6-11); 951-657-2605.
Patterson House Museum ---- The oldest private residence still standing in Winchester; 28030 Patterson Ave., Winchester; 951-926-4039.
Ramona Bowl Museum ---- The Ramona Bowl Museum has been operated since 1953 by the Ramona Pageant Association, which has produced the annual Ramona Pageant since 1923. The museum gives the history of the local Native Americans, the Pageant and the Ramona story; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays; 27400 Ramona Bowl Road, Hemet; free; 951-658-3111.
Riverside Art Museum ---- Exhibiting a wide range of work with an emphasis on American, Californian and prominent Inland Empire artists. RAM offers a diverse range of exemplary art exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach events; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays; 3425 Seventh St., Riverside; $5 donation suggested; 951-684-7111, riversideartmuseum.org.
Riverside Metropolitan Museum ---- The Riverside Metropolitan Museum is a center for learning and a community museum that collects, exhibits, and interprets cultural and natural history. In a rapidly changing community, the museum provides an understanding and appreciation of our region's legacy; museum hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays; 3580 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside; 951-826-5273, riversideca.gov/museum.
San Bernardino County Museum ---- "Gadgets and Gizmos, Inventing the Modern World" and "Hanging With the Museum," an exhibit of artwork by museum staff and volunteers, are on display; the museum's permanent exhibits present history, anthropology, geology, paleontology and biological sciences in a regional context; 2024 Orange Tree Lane, Redlands; $8, general; $9, seniors and military; $5, students; $4, children 5 to 12; 909-307-2669.
San Jacinto Museum ---- Exhibits on natural history, native peoples, and the history and development of the San Jacinto Valley in the 19th and 20th centuries; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays-Sundays; 181 East Main St., San Jacinto; free; 951-654-4952.
Temecula Valley History Museum ---- Exhibits represent life in the Temecula Valley through time and different cultures that influenced the development of the area. Displays contain handcrafted artifacts, cultural items, ranching and farming equipment, documents, photographs, and more. Exhibits depict key stories, including the Luiseno Indians, Mission San Luis Rey period, establishment of the ranchos, and transportation influences including the stagecoach and railroads. The museum also offers a playful interactive discovery area for children. Hands-on learning experiences take place in a street scene setting with a General Store, a Dress Shop, a Photographer's Studio and a Ride-a-Pony station; museum hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays (closed Mondays); 28314 Mercedes St., Temecula; $2 donation suggested; 951-694-6450.
UC Riverside Museum of Photography ---- The museum's explorations of photographic media through exhibition, collection, publication, and the web examine the history of photography and showcase current practice in photography and related media. To serve an audience that is multicultural, young and old, general and specialized, the museum presents programs that recognize the variety and complexity of cultural experience and explore the relationship between traditional expression and contemporary practice. The museum is vitally concerned with the intersection of photography, new imaging media, and society; museum hours, noon-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; 3824 Main St., Riverside; $1, general; free for students and seniors; 951-784-3686.
Western Science Center ---- Permanent exhibitions at the Western Center highlight the discoveries at the Diamond Valley Lake site that range in age from 230,000 years ago to the present. Permanent exhibits include: the Life on Earth Timeline, overhead time rings guide you through the geologic time periods. Begin with the Pre-Cambrian and travel to the Holocene, the time period in which our mammoths and mastodons lived. The distance you walk from ring to ring is directly proportional to the amount of time that passed from one geologic period to the next; The Big Dam Hole, interactives teach about the people and animals that inhabited the Diamond Valley Lake site over time; Movies in the Theater, two short films are shown regularly in the circular, immersion theater with its 270-degree screen; Snapshots in Time, mammoths and mastodons that used to live in the Diamond Valley Lake area. See the real fossils of a 10-foot-tall mastodon, a 12-foot mammoth, and a giant ground sloth nearly 7-foot-tall; and Discovery Lab, follow the trail of these animals from their discovery in the field to curation and research in the museum. There are workshops and lectures on a weekly basis as well as Science Saturdays and visiting exhibitions throughout the year; museum hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays; $8, adults (13 and over); $6.50, seniors (62+); $6, youth (5 to 12); $6.50, students (13-22 with current I.D.); 2345 Searl Pkwy., Hemet; free, youth age 4 and younger and military with current I.D.; 951-791-0033 or westerncentermuseum.org.
